The Support Group Bloghttps://blog.supportgroup.com
Our blog is where we share our custom app development experience and expertise with you! View videos. Learn tips and tricks. Explore FileMaker and Goole App Maker applications.en-usThu, 23 May 2019 16:11:52 GMT2019-05-23T16:11:52Zen-usFileMaker 18: New Import Interfacehttps://blog.supportgroup.com/filemaker-18-new-import-interface
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<a href="https://blog.supportgroup.com/filemaker-18-new-import-interface" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"> <img src="https://blog.supportgroup.com/hubfs/FileMaker_18/New_Import_Dialog/FM18-New-%20Import-Interface_800x330.jpg" alt="FileMaker 18 New Import Dialog" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"> </a>
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<p>FileMaker's import process has not changed in a long time and so it's ripe for an update. FileMaker, Inc. has shown it a lot of love in FileMaker 18!</p>
<p>FileMaker’s importing capabilities are pretty extensive but they're not always intuitive. The new import dialog interface features a mix of graphics and text so it should be very easy for both new and seasoned developers to choose the most appropriate actions. Let's explore the new import features and functions.</p><div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper">
<a href="https://blog.supportgroup.com/filemaker-18-new-import-interface" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"> <img src="https://blog.supportgroup.com/hubfs/FileMaker_18/New_Import_Dialog/FM18-New-%20Import-Interface_800x330.jpg" alt="FileMaker 18 New Import Dialog" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"> </a>
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<p>FileMaker's import process has not changed in a long time and so it's ripe for an update. FileMaker, Inc. has shown it a lot of love in FileMaker 18!</p>
<p>FileMaker’s importing capabilities are pretty extensive but they're not always intuitive. The new import dialog interface features a mix of graphics and text so it should be very easy for both new and seasoned developers to choose the most appropriate actions. Let's explore the new import features and functions.</p>
<img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=2992895&amp;k=14&amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.supportgroup.com%2Ffilemaker-18-new-import-interface&amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fblog.supportgroup.com&amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; ">FileMaker 18Wed, 22 May 2019 13:51:02 GMThttps://blog.supportgroup.com/filemaker-18-new-import-interface2019-05-22T13:51:02ZKarstyn McCoyHow To Move Data from Repeating Fields in FileMakerhttps://blog.supportgroup.com/how-to-move-data-from-repeating-fields-in-filemaker
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<a href="https://blog.supportgroup.com/how-to-move-data-from-repeating-fields-in-filemaker" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"> <img src="https://blog.supportgroup.com/hubfs/Repeating%20Fields%20in%20FileMaker/stock-photo-open-laptop-on-the-desk-with-a-planner-calendar-on-the-screen-education-concept-photo-view-over-499601842.jpg" alt="Repeating-Field-Import" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"> </a>
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<p>Repeating fields have a long and somewhat controversial history in FileMaker. If you want to start a heated discussion with another FileMaker developer, start one about repeating fields! Some developers love them, some hate them and then there are some like me, who appreciate them as another tool in the belt to be used to accomplish functions that would be hard to do without them.</p>
<p>If you started building FileMaker applications from scratch in more recent versions of the product you may not be very familiar with repeating fields and probably have never used them. You may even have an understanding of what they are but have never found a need to use them. If you've been using FileMaker for a long time or have taken over a legacy solution, chances are you've had to deal with them.&nbsp;</p>
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<a href="https://blog.supportgroup.com/how-to-move-data-from-repeating-fields-in-filemaker" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"> <img src="https://blog.supportgroup.com/hubfs/Repeating%20Fields%20in%20FileMaker/stock-photo-open-laptop-on-the-desk-with-a-planner-calendar-on-the-screen-education-concept-photo-view-over-499601842.jpg" alt="Repeating-Field-Import" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"> </a>
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<p>Repeating fields have a long and somewhat controversial history in FileMaker. If you want to start a heated discussion with another FileMaker developer, start one about repeating fields! Some developers love them, some hate them and then there are some like me, who appreciate them as another tool in the belt to be used to accomplish functions that would be hard to do without them.</p>
<p>If you started building FileMaker applications from scratch in more recent versions of the product you may not be very familiar with repeating fields and probably have never used them. You may even have an understanding of what they are but have never found a need to use them. If you've been using FileMaker for a long time or have taken over a legacy solution, chances are you've had to deal with them.&nbsp;</p>
<h5></h5>
<img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=2992895&amp;k=14&amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.supportgroup.com%2Fhow-to-move-data-from-repeating-fields-in-filemaker&amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fblog.supportgroup.com&amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; ">FileMaker Tips & TricksThu, 02 May 2019 17:05:00 GMThttps://blog.supportgroup.com/how-to-move-data-from-repeating-fields-in-filemaker2019-05-02T17:05:00ZKarstyn McCoyThe Support Group Milestoneshttps://blog.supportgroup.com/the-support-group-milestones
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<a href="https://blog.supportgroup.com/the-support-group-milestones" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"> <img src="https://blog.supportgroup.com/hubfs/TSG%20Milestones/stock-photo--past-future-present-wooden-signpost-cloudy-sky-406343455.jpg" alt="The Support Group Milestones" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"> </a>
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<p>When you get more than three FileMaker developers in the same room, it’s inevitable that at some point in the conversation they will start reminiscing about “the good ol’ days” of FileMaker and trying to one-up each other with how long they’ve been using <a href="/how-well-do-you-know-filemaker">FileMaker</a> (since 2.1 in my case).</p>
<p>As we anticipate the release of FileMaker 18, I've gotten a little nostalgic about the FileMaker application and naturally, about some of the major milestones of The Support Group.</p><div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper">
<a href="https://blog.supportgroup.com/the-support-group-milestones" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"> <img src="https://blog.supportgroup.com/hubfs/TSG%20Milestones/stock-photo--past-future-present-wooden-signpost-cloudy-sky-406343455.jpg" alt="The Support Group Milestones" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"> </a>
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<p>When you get more than three FileMaker developers in the same room, it’s inevitable that at some point in the conversation they will start reminiscing about “the good ol’ days” of FileMaker and trying to one-up each other with how long they’ve been using <a href="/how-well-do-you-know-filemaker">FileMaker</a> (since 2.1 in my case).</p>
<p>As we anticipate the release of FileMaker 18, I've gotten a little nostalgic about the FileMaker application and naturally, about some of the major milestones of The Support Group.</p>
<img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=2992895&amp;k=14&amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.supportgroup.com%2Fthe-support-group-milestones&amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fblog.supportgroup.com&amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; ">FileMaker Business AllianceReflectionsWed, 17 Apr 2019 15:45:00 GMThttps://blog.supportgroup.com/the-support-group-milestones2019-04-17T15:45:00ZNick ChapinWhy Attend the FileMaker Developer Conferencehttps://blog.supportgroup.com/why-attend-the-filemaker-developer-conference
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<a href="https://blog.supportgroup.com/why-attend-the-filemaker-developer-conference" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"> <img src="https://blog.supportgroup.com/hubfs/DevCon_2019/DevCon-Benefits_800x330.jpg" alt="Why Attend the FileMaker Developer Conference" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"> </a>
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<p>Every year, usually during the summer, FileMaker hosts a massive global conference for their developers. Like most customer/user conferences, the goal is to experience the product in different ways and explore new product features, in a supportive and fun environment. But leave it to technology to create a common developer dilemma – to go or not to go to <a href="https://www.filemaker.com/learning/devcon/">DevCon</a>. FileMaker, Inc. will eventually share most, if not all, of the session materials – including videos – within the FileMaker Community. So why not save the registration and travel expenses and wait until the materials become public?</p>
<p>Well, The Support Group has participated in DevCon in different capacities since the very first event in&nbsp;<span style="background-color: #ffffff;">1996. </span>Yes, it's been that long and we can certainly tell you that it's worth it every year! We even share some of our own <a href="/filemaker-devcon-2018-in-review?_ga=2.67814998.674988637.1554319693-2062935101.1528767536">DevCon experiences</a> during and after the conference. I cannot adequately capture the essence of why we go to DevCon, but I will try to capture a few of the main benefits.</p><div class="hs-featured-image-wrapper">
<a href="https://blog.supportgroup.com/why-attend-the-filemaker-developer-conference" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"> <img src="https://blog.supportgroup.com/hubfs/DevCon_2019/DevCon-Benefits_800x330.jpg" alt="Why Attend the FileMaker Developer Conference" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"> </a>
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<p>Every year, usually during the summer, FileMaker hosts a massive global conference for their developers. Like most customer/user conferences, the goal is to experience the product in different ways and explore new product features, in a supportive and fun environment. But leave it to technology to create a common developer dilemma – to go or not to go to <a href="https://www.filemaker.com/learning/devcon/">DevCon</a>. FileMaker, Inc. will eventually share most, if not all, of the session materials – including videos – within the FileMaker Community. So why not save the registration and travel expenses and wait until the materials become public?</p>
<p>Well, The Support Group has participated in DevCon in different capacities since the very first event in&nbsp;<span style="background-color: #ffffff;">1996. </span>Yes, it's been that long and we can certainly tell you that it's worth it every year! We even share some of our own <a href="/filemaker-devcon-2018-in-review?_ga=2.67814998.674988637.1554319693-2062935101.1528767536">DevCon experiences</a> during and after the conference. I cannot adequately capture the essence of why we go to DevCon, but I will try to capture a few of the main benefits.</p>
<img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=2992895&amp;k=14&amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.supportgroup.com%2Fwhy-attend-the-filemaker-developer-conference&amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fblog.supportgroup.com&amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; ">FileMaker SkillsThu, 04 Apr 2019 15:15:00 GMThttps://blog.supportgroup.com/why-attend-the-filemaker-developer-conference2019-04-04T15:15:00ZEric SterbenkExport Custom Headers from FileMaker to Excelhttps://blog.supportgroup.com/export-custom-headers-from-filemaker-to-excel
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<a href="https://blog.supportgroup.com/export-custom-headers-from-filemaker-to-excel" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"> <img src="https://blog.supportgroup.com/hubfs/Custom-Headers/Custom-Headers_800x330.jpg" alt="custom-header4" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"> </a>
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<p>The FileMaker Platform gives you plenty of options for <a href="/filemaker-17-new-file-export-features">exporting data</a> out of your app. You can export files as text or even a separate FileMaker file but in our experience, the most common export format is Excel. It's pretty easy to export data out of FileMaker into Excel; the tricky part is customizing the headers of the exported data.</p>
<p>Why would you want to customize the headers? You may want to customize headers so that they're easy for the user to understand or to make them consistent with field names in other systems. For example, some of our developers like to group the "name" fields in a contact database by having them all start with the text "name" –&nbsp;nameFirst and nameLast instead of First Name and Last Name. So when we export that data natively from FileMaker, the column header will be nameFirst, <em>not</em> First Name.&nbsp;I won't get into why we do that here; that's a whole other blog post about field naming conventions.</p>
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<a href="https://blog.supportgroup.com/export-custom-headers-from-filemaker-to-excel" title="" class="hs-featured-image-link"> <img src="https://blog.supportgroup.com/hubfs/Custom-Headers/Custom-Headers_800x330.jpg" alt="custom-header4" class="hs-featured-image" style="width:auto !important; max-width:50%; float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;"> </a>
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<p>The FileMaker Platform gives you plenty of options for <a href="/filemaker-17-new-file-export-features">exporting data</a> out of your app. You can export files as text or even a separate FileMaker file but in our experience, the most common export format is Excel. It's pretty easy to export data out of FileMaker into Excel; the tricky part is customizing the headers of the exported data.</p>
<p>Why would you want to customize the headers? You may want to customize headers so that they're easy for the user to understand or to make them consistent with field names in other systems. For example, some of our developers like to group the "name" fields in a contact database by having them all start with the text "name" –&nbsp;nameFirst and nameLast instead of First Name and Last Name. So when we export that data natively from FileMaker, the column header will be nameFirst, <em>not</em> First Name.&nbsp;I won't get into why we do that here; that's a whole other blog post about field naming conventions.</p>
<h5></h5>
<img src="https://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=2992895&amp;k=14&amp;r=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.supportgroup.com%2Fexport-custom-headers-from-filemaker-to-excel&amp;bu=https%253A%252F%252Fblog.supportgroup.com&amp;bvt=rss" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="min-height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-width:0!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bottom:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important; ">FileMaker Tips & TricksTue, 19 Mar 2019 14:55:00 GMThttps://blog.supportgroup.com/export-custom-headers-from-filemaker-to-excel2019-03-19T14:55:00ZEric Sterbenk